Super Short Reviews (4)

If you've been here a while, you'll remember that I used to write really nice (in my opinion) reviews. I really enjoyed writing reviews and getting all the information together. I also was reading between 5-7 books a week, so had no shortage of material to draw from.

For the past few months, however, I've been in a bit of a reading and blogging slump. The reading part has getting slightly better, but I just don't have the attention span for the nice long reviews right now. Hence, Super Short Reviews. Here are some books I've read recently, and my really quick thoughts. The links will take you to that title's Goodreads page. Oh, and unless stated otherwise, all books were borrowed from the library.

How to Speak Zombie: a guide for the living by Steven Mockus: I was assigned to read this for a selection committee I'm on. I had to ILL it as my library doesn't own it. This is one of those books that has accompanying sounds for each page. It's actually a very cute book, and everyone I showed it to enjoyed it. For instance, on on page spread (the book is a board book), you can learn about zombie behavior at the gym, and see the zombie translation of "Spot me, bro," and when you push the number that matches that page, you'll actually hear the phrase in zombie-speak. It's a humorous book and I think most teens would get a kick out of it, but as potential for an award? I don't think so.

In Too Deep by Amanda Grace (Mandy Hubbard) (read for 2012 Standalone Challenge): This is a very strong novel about rumors, spreading lies, and how saying nothing can be just as bad as spreading rumors and lies. There is just so much packed into this novel, and you are right there with the characters--I can totally see why they made the decisions they did, and can see why they thought those decisions were right at that time. The only thing I didn't like about this story was Sam's best friend, Nick. I just did not think he was portrayed as the great and awesome BFF that he was supposed to be.

Try Not to Breathe by Jennifer R. Hubbard (read for 2012 Sophomore Challenge): This story of life after suicide attempt is good, but it wasn't as powerful as I'd expected it to be. I liked it but didn't love it.

Enjoy your reading!
Christi